Morning Report – June 14th

After days of headlines about the Milibands, could we be about to see the return of the prodigal brother? It would certainly be (publicly) welcomed by Ed, who could do with the firepower, gravitas and star power that David would bring. One of Labour’s biggest problems at the moment is one of attention – apart from the Milibands and Ed Balls it’s hard for anyone else to get noticed – and David would certainly get attention. There is an obvious downside though. The media would be constantly on the look out for schisms between the two. They would have to operate in total lockstep – which would require a significant improvement in their relationship. They’d also have to be ready for suggestions that Davis was out-performing Ed appearing each week…

There’s also – crucially – a logistical issue which shouldn’t be ignored. David returning to the cabinet wouldn’t be as simple as him choosing to. Labour holds shadow cabinet elections amongst the PLP every two years. We’re almost 18 months from the next round of elections. Of course there is the possibility that David could be appointed rathjer than elected. But who steps down or aside to allow him to return? And how senior a job would he want? It’s a minefield of personal ambition.

Yet Ed Miliband seems on a firmer footing today than he was even just 24 hours ago. The attacks and whispers have died away, his speech yesterday gained him some valuable attention, and he has acknowledged that he has an image problem (£). Mary Riddell says that Ed should pick a few fights to assert his authority – which sounds like she thinks he should be a shark too.

Elsewhere – keep an eye on Unison conference next week (we’ll be bringing you extensive coverage) – as a strike by 1.2 million public sector workers would certainly upset the apple cart. And the latest fire-fighting effort for the coalition? Convincing the public that they can be trusted with the NHS, which might be easier said than done.